This course
examines the structure of the major Central Eurasian languages and recent
linguistic work on them. The Sprachbund (‘linguistic area’) theory that is
usually assumed for these languages is examined, as are the major
relationship theories, both divergent (‘genetic’) and convergent. The
language families covered include Finno-Ugric, Indo-European, Mongolic,
Puyo-Koguryoic, Tibeto-Burman, Tungusic, and Turkic. No prior knowledge of
Central Eurasian languages is assumed or required.

Requirements:

Attendance and participation (25%)
One short research paper (on a linguistic topic determined after consultation with the instructor), to be presented in class (25%)
One short research article developed from the paper presented in class (25%)
Quiz (25%)